Resources

Compassionate Support for A Fulfilling Life

The Special Kids Network Helpline – +1-800-986-4550Children and youth with special healthcare needs and their families.
Advocacy for special healthcare needs.

The Arc of PennsylvaniaThe largest advocacy organization in the United States for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities containing 34 local chapters serving 56 counties across Pennsylvania.

Erie Sprout 24 Hour Information Hotline: 814-874-6996Erie Sprout is supporting people through resources, outreach, understanding, and time, and was developed by a group of human service parents and professionals in Erie County. The purpose of the website is to educate people and give them a place to find information for themselves and their loved ones.

Juvenile Law CenterAdvancing the rights and well-being of children in jeopardy. +1-888-864-6393.

Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC)Offers services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as early intervention, supported employment, job training, transition planning, respite care, supported living and transportation.

Community Resources for Independence, Inc 1-800-530-5541 or 814-838-7222Offers independent living services to people with disabilities along with accessibility education, waiver information, independent living services, attendant care service coordination, assisting technology, and information and referral.

Provide legal consultation and representation for individuals with disabilities and their families who are facing discrimination on the basis of disability and access to needed services along with providing information, referral and technical assistance to Pennsylvania residents with disability issues.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Helpline 888-843-4564The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Hotline provides telephone and email peer counseling, as wells as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.

National Runaway Switchboard +1-800-786-2929Toll-free, nationwide hot-line for runaways and troubled youth. Provides information and referral for shelter, counseling, medical and legal services and transportation back home.

Kaleidoscope Family Solutions Inc. Autism, IDD & Behavioral Team 877-384-1729; School Division: 800-908-0546Kaleidoscope Family Services (KFS) is a specialized provider of clinical and therapeutic services directly to individuals as well as education-system staffing services. Services are delivered through its specialty division outlined below.

KFS Behavioral Therapeutic Services

KFS Autism Services

KFS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services

KFS School Staffing Services

KFS Training Services

Kids as Self AdvocatesFamily Voices project funded by the U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Erie County, Pennsylvania Erie: 814-456-1773 or +1-800-517-1773NAMI of Erie County is a local non-profit organization established in 1984 to address the increasing need for families and individuals to have a stronger voice in the mental health system. Often, parents who have children with mental illness find themselves battling several barriers such as stigma, confusion over medical advice, and a lack of support for the family unit. However, NAMI of Erie County attempts to ease the struggle for parents by offering mental health education and support.

Pennsylvania Elks Home Service Program Erie- 814-454-1252 ext. 115Providing support and advocacy services to individuals who have a developmental disability.

Assistive Technology

A Leg Up of Kids Foundation ellen@alegupforkids.orgA nonprofit organization that believes children with special health needs are happier when they can move about with their families. To enable this, we donate safe and economical strollers for children on ventilators.

Caroline’s Cart Customer Service: 828-464-7388Grocery Cart designed for families with older children or adults with physical special needs. See website for store locations.

Community Resources for Independence (CRI) +1-800-530-5541A community based, non-residential, non-profit corporation that provides services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their independence and the accessibility of the communities in which they live. CRI is one of more than 500 federally funded Centers for Independent Living across the nation established by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation 888-744-1938Foundation’s mission is to provide financing opportunities to people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians helping them to acquire the assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.

Counseling for special healthcare needs.

Erie County PA Department of Health Home Visiting Nurse 814-451-6700The goal of nurse home visiting is to provide information and prevention education to pregnant women and parents of infants and toddlers, or older children with special health care needs.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Erie County, Pennsylvania Erie: 814-456-1773 or +1-800-517-1773NAMI of Erie County is a local non-profit organization established in 1984 to address the increasing need for families and individuals to have a stronger voice in the mental health system. Often, parents who have children with mental illness find themselves battling several barriers such as stigma, confusion over medical advice, and a lack of support for the family unit. However, NAMI of Erie County attempts to ease the struggle for parents by offering mental health education and support.

Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care +1-877-288-2022If your household income is no more than twice of the FPIG and your child is 13 or younger and you are a working parent or you are going to school.

Pre-school Programs +1-866-214-5437If your household income is no more thatn the FPIG and your child is five years old or younger.

Thurston House 814-724-6768Thurston House is a program for Pregnant and Parenting Students who are enrolled in an approved High School or GED program. Service Components are assistance in accessing transportation, assistance in accessing Child Care, parenting and child development education, career counseling, vocational counseling and nutrition and health care education.

Early Intervention

Erie County Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol, and Housing Resource GuideThis directory lists the services, organizations and individuals that provide care for Erie County residents enrolled in Medical Assistance and/or eligible for Base Funded services. These services are grouped into MENTAL HEALTH, DRUG & ALCOHOL and HOUSING. In addition to the service grid, the agencies and individuals providing services are organized alphabetically, with their contact information at the end of this guide. Some of these services are based on medical necessity.

Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania 412-281-7244Easter Seals Western and Central PA is committed to providing exceptional programs and services for children with disabilities or other special needs.

Northwest Tri-County IU5, Early Intervention Services +1-800-677-5610 ext. 8461 or 814-734-8461The IU5 Early Childhood Intervention Program evaluates and provides services for children with special needs. Any parent concerned about his/her child’s development may refer his/her child to the Early Childhood Intervention Program. A referral will be taken for children age 2 years + 10 months up to the date that they are age-eligible to enter kindergarten in their school district of residence.

PA Department of Education Early Intervention Program +1-800-692-7288.The Pennsylvania Early Intervention program provides support and services to families with children, from birth to age five, with developmental delays and disabilities.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Service Early Intervention ServicesWhile all children grow and develop in unique ways, some children experience delays in their development. Children with developmental delays and disabilities benefit from the Pennsylvania Early Intervention program, a state supported network of parents, service practitioners, and others which builds upon the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and their family.

Community Health Net Health Care for the Homeless Program 814-454-4530, ext. 269Assistance in obtaining health care, dental care, eye care, and assistance with medications. We also assist patients to gain the benefits of having health insurance. To qualify, an individual must be either living on the streets, in a shelter, in an inpatient drug rehab center, a pre-release center, or doubled with a friend or family member for less than 3 months.

COMPASSHelp with Medicare.

APPRISE +1-800-783-7067A free health insurance counseling service for individuals 60 and over.
Erie County Area Agency on Aging APPRISE 814-459-4581.

Medicare Part DInformation about the Part D prescription drug benefit available to individuals enrolled in Medicare.

HealthCare.gov +1-800-318-2596

HealthChoicesHealthChoices will provide low-income Pennsylvanians with the opportunity to purchase private health insurance at affordable rates through a network of eight insurance private insurers, offering three or more health insurance plan options per region. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2015. Apply online at www.COMPASS.state.pa.us and learn more at www.healthypa.com.

Medical Assistance (MA)Health care services for eligible individuals.

Pregnancy InsurancePresumptive Eligibility [Eligible uninsured pregnant woman should register with Dept. of Human Services, COMPASS and Medical Assistance (MA).
Presumptive Eligibility (PE) provides insurance coverage for pregnant woman who have applied for MA but are still under review.

Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity at HUD +1-800-799-2085Hotline service for individuals to report incidences of housing discrimination.

Making Homes Affordable 888-995-4673National nonprofit organization aiming to prevent home foreclosure and reduce monthly payments for eligible individuals and families.

Shelters

PathStone, Inc. Erie: 814-455-9966PathStone provides emergency shelter services to disadvantaged individuals and families along with food, first month rental assistance, rent in arrears assistance, mortgage assistance and utilities in arrears assistance (one-time only assistance) You can find additional information through www.pathstone.org or by emailing at AskPA-EmergencySupport@PathStone.org.

Salvation Army Corry: 814-664-7100Salvation Army provides several emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families.

Hospitality House Services For Women, Inc Erie: 814-459-5844Transitional housing and temporary emergency shelter for women and children in crisis situation.

Community Shelter Services, Inc Erie: 814-455-4369The Community Shelter Services is an agency that offers services to disadvantaged families to help sustain self-sufficiency. The services include a 24-hour crisis shelter, permanent supportive affordable housing and housing assistance.

Samaritan Care Shelter at Erie City Mission 814-452-4421The Samaritan Care Shelter is a shelter that provides men a place to stay for up to 45 nights.

Upper Room of Erie 814-459-3983The Upper Room of Erie provides several housing services to the homeless of Erie County including Shelter, Transitional Living and Food service.

Community of Caring Erie: 814-456-6661Community of Caring provides food, clothing and shelter to those in need in Erie County.

Lakeshore Community Services, Inc. Erie: 814-456-9962Services for individuals with mental illness including life skills training, in home supports, community residential living, supported living, semi-independent living and case management.

The Refuge at EUMA Erie: 814-454-6088The Refuge at the Erie United Methodist Alliance is a program in which a homeless family with children will live in temporary housing for 30-45 days where they will have a case manager, receive clothing and food, be linked to other spheres in which will gain them self-sufficiency.

City Mission’s New Life Program Erie: 814-454-6212The Erie Mission’s New Life Program is a residential recovery program for men, lasting from 6 months to 2 years. The program includes Spiritual Life Development & Bible Study, Addictions recovery through 12 Step AA/NA/GA, Medical and Vocational Screening, Educational courses, Internships and Counseling.

Community Shelter Services, Inc Erie: 814-455-4369The Community Shelter Services is an agency that offers services to disadvantage families to help sustain self-sufficiency. The services include a 24-hour crisis shelter, permanent supportive affordable housing and housing assistance.

Hospitality House Services for Women, Inc Erie: 814-459-5844Transitional housing and temporary emergency shelter for women and children in crisis situation.

Public Housing Programs

Housing Authority of the City of Erie 814-452-2425Public housing programs that connect income-eligible individuals and families with public housing or section 8 vouchers.

Housing and Neighborhood Development Services Erie: 814-453-3333HANDS provides affordable housing for families and persons with disabilities where Section 8 vouchers are accepted along with ownership opportunities.

Housing Authority of the City of Erie 814-452-2425Public housing programs that connect income-eligible individuals and families with public housing or section 8 vouchers.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Erie County, Pennsylvania Erie: 814-456-1773 or +1-800-517-1773NAMI of Erie County is a local non-profit organization established in 1984 to address the increasing need for families and individuals to have a stronger voice in the mental health system. Often, parents who have children with mental illness find themselves battling several barriers such as stigma, confusion over medical advice, and a lack of support for the family unit. However, NAMI of Erie County attempts to ease the struggle for parents by offering mental health education and support.

Health Waiver Programs

Erie Independence House, Inc. 814-461-9188Erie Independence House participates in various PA Medicaid Waiver Programs. These Waiver Programs offer services to individuals over the age of 18 with physical disabilities. The following programs are available:

Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities (CSPPPD) (OBRA and Independence)

CommCare (OBRA and Independence) – (Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI)

Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA)

Community Transition Services (OBRA, Independence and CommCare)

Attendant Care/Act 150

Medicaid Waivers for Children under 21:

Attendant Care/Act 150 Long-Term Living Helpline, +1-800-753-8827Enables individuals with a physical disability, ages 18-59, who are mentally alert to continue to live in their homes with support and services.

Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities/OBRA Waiver Long-Term LivingHelpline, +1-800-753-8827
Provides services to people 18 or older with severe developmental and physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or similar conditions (onset prior to age 22).

Consolidated Waiver for Individuals with Mental RetardationProvides services to eligible people age three or older with mental retardation so that they can remain in the community.

Person/Family Directed Support WaiverProvides services to eligible people age three or older with mental retardation so that they can remain in the community.

Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities/Independence Waiver Long-Term Living Helpline, +1-800-753-8827Provides services to individuals 18 and older with severe physical disabilities to allow them to live in the community and remain as independent as possible.

Infant, Toddlers, and Families Waiver 717-346-1119Supports Early Intervention services to children up to age three who would otherwise require the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with Mental Retardation of Other Related Conditions.

Respite Care

ARCH National Respite Networkfor help with the Respite Locator Service please contact Mike Mathers at: mmathers@chtop.org or by phone at +1-919-490-5577.
The mission of the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center is to assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs, to help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities, and to serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums.

Special Education

Erie Sprout 24 Hour Information Hotline: 814-874-6996Erie Sprout is supporting people through resources, outreach, understanding, and time, and was developed by a group of human service parents and professionals in Erie County. The purpose of the website is to educate people and give them a place to find information for themselves and their loved ones.

PA Bureau of Special Education Consult Line +1-800-879-2301Help for families and advocates of children with special needs can be obtained by calling the Consult Line or with the on-line request form available at: http://odr-pa.org/contact-consultline/

Intermediate Units in PAIntermediate Units in Pennsylvania are part of the governance structure of public education and are located in the middle between the state education agency and the local school districts. They provide specialized services to local school districts that can be operated more effectively and efficiently on a regional basis.

Support Groups

Erie Sprout 24 Hour Information Hotline: 814-874-6996Erie Sprout is supporting people through resources, outreach, understanding, and time, and was developed by a group of human service parents and professionals in Erie County. The purpose of the website is to educate people and give them a place to find information for themselves and their loved ones.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Erie County, Pennsylvania Erie: 814-456-1773 or +1-800-517-1773NAMI of Erie County is a local non-profit organization established in 1984 to address the increasing need for families and individuals to have a stronger voice in the mental health system. Often, parents who have children with mental illness find themselves battling several barriers such as stigma, confusion over medical advice, and a lack of support for the family unit. However, NAMI of Erie County attempts to ease the struggle for parents by offering mental health education and support

Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania +1-888-727-2706 Linking families of children and adults with disabilities or special needs.

PA Families Incorporated info@pafamiliesinc.org +1-800-947-4941Statewide network providing support to families raising children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and special needs, as well as serving as an advocate in the different child serving systems.

Car Seat SafetyThe PA Child Passenger Protection Act requires that all drivers transporting children ages birth – four years use an approved child safety seat. Children ages four to eight must wear a seat belt and be in a booster seat. Children with medical conditions or disabilities may require special considerations or adaptations for transportation safety.

The PA Traffic Injury Prevention ProjectCar Seat Loan Program by County – Information Hotline – 800-CAR-BELT 412-885-0266
Training for school districts and companies on transporting children with special needs.

PA Children’s Health Insurance ProgramCall automated phone line at 800-986-KIDS (5437) and a CHIP representative will return your call within two business days. Pennsylvania’s CHIP program puts health coverage within reach for all uninsured kids and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance.

Erie County, PA Department of Health Nurse Family Partnership 814-451-6700The Nurse Family Partnership is a program for women who are having their first baby. If you enroll, a specially trained nurse will visit you in your home throughout pregnancy and will continue to visit until your baby is two years old. You and your nurse will decide when to schedule visits. You can join the program as early as you like, but you must join before the 28th week of pregnancy. The program is FREE.

Pregnancy Insurance

Presumptive Eligibility (PE), Medical Assistance (MA)Presumptive Eligibility is a temporary program of health insurance coverage for pregnant women who are applying for Medical Assistance.

PA Dep of Human Services Benefits Helpline 1-800-692-7462

PA Dep of Human Services County Assistance Office Contact Information

COMPASS (PA Dep of Human Services)Online application for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin or use links on right side for further assistance.

text4babyRegistration is free on the text4baby.org website.
Free text messages to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy and the baby’s first year.

WIC 800-942-9467Through WIC, pregnant women, mothers, and caregivers of infants and young children learn about good nutrition to keep themselves and their families healthy. WIC provides nutrition service, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals, and healthy foods to over 250,000 participants every month in PA. Lead health information for parents, homeowners, contractors, and healthcare professionals. The Lead Information Helpline – +1-800-440-5323.

Erie Redevelopment Authority 814-870-1540The Erie Redevelopment Authority administers a program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the purpose of which is to reduce or eliminate toxic lead hazards in hundreds of residential dwellings throughout Erie County, at no cost to the occupants.

PA Lead and Healthy Homes Program (717) 772-2762The Pennsylvania Lead and Healthy Homes Program (LHHP) seeks to create safe and healthy housing by addressing environmental health and safety issues in homes.

PA Labor and IndustryLink to list of accredited trainers and certified contracting firms.

Information for Contractors

EPA – LeadRenovate Right for Contractors and Trainers

PA Labor and IndustryCertification and Other Requirements for Lead Occupations.

OSHAFor information about regulations regarding work on facilities which are non-residential, contractors should contact the appropriate Occupational Safety & Health Administration Pennsylvania area office.

Property Managers

HUD – Lead Disclosure RuleCongress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X, to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. Section 1018 of this law directed HUD and EPA to require the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978. If you did not receive the Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards form when you bought or leased pre-1978 housing, contact 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania +1-800-444-6443Our mission: to prevent brain injury and improve the quality of life for people who have experienced brain injury and their family members through support, education, advocacy, and research.

PA Department of Health Head Injury Program

Head Injury Program 866-412-4755The goal of the program is to help individuals with a traumatic brain injury live independently in their homes and communities.

Waiver Programs

Independent Enrollment Broker 788-550-4227Office of Long-Term Living launched the PA Independent Enrollment Broker, a contracted statewide entity, to facilitate and streamline the eligibility/enrollment process for applicants seeking services for several PA waivers/programs.

OBRA Waiver +1-800-753-8827Home and Community based Waiver program that may help if you have a developmental physical disability to allow you to live in the community and remain as independent as possible.

Other Information

Acquired Brain Injury Network of Pennsylvania info@abin-pa.org, +1-800-516-8052Nonprofit organization of brain injury survivors, family members, and friends dedicated to increasing public awareness about acquired brain injury, and to providing support, education, information, advocacy, and other services for individuals with acquired brain injury and their families.

Brainline.org 703-998-2020Preventing, treating, and living with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Immunizations/Vaccinations

Erie County PA Department of Health

Immunization and Child Health Clinics 814-451-6777 or +1-800-352-0026 Ext. 6700IMMUNIZATION RECORDS MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT. ALL CHILDREN UNDER
18 YEARS OF AGE MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR RESPONSIBLE ADULT. – See more at: http://ecdh.org/clinic-info.php#sthash.ddvnx43S.dpuf

PA Department of Health Division of Immunizations

Division of Immunizations 717-787-5681

Pennsylvania Vaccines for Children Program 888-646-6864Free vaccines for uninsured children 877-724-3258.

PA Department of Health, Health Services LocatorTo find a local health center close to you select your county.

Legal advocacy for the disabled in Pennsylvania

Disability Rights Network of PennsylvaniaHarrisburg +1-800-692-7443, 717-236-8110, 717-346-0239 [TDD], Philadelphia 215-238-8070, Pittsburgh 412-391-5225
The mission of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania is to advance, protect, and advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

PA Health Law Project +1-800-274-3258Helping People in Need get the Health Care they deserve.
Advocacy on access to health care for low-income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Mission Statement

The mission of Veracity Health Systems, LLC
(VHS) is to assist people with disabilities to live
rich and fulfilling lives. VHS will fulfill this
mission by providing compassionate
therapeutic and medical support to patients of
all ages regardless of the level
of disability while allowing
them to live with
dignity and purpose.